A community activist and crime fighter from Manenberg has won an International Woman of Courage award. This is the first time a South African woman has been recognised for the award.
The Charge d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in South Africa, Todd Haskell says Roegchanda Pascoe from the NGO, Manenberg Safety Forum is highly deserving of the recognition. He says her life has been threatened many times, while standing up for her community, being terrorised by gangs. She was also a witness to a murder.
The award recognizes women from around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership. The women advocate for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, and sometimes, at great personal risk and sacrifice.
The Acting US Consul-General in Cape Town, Will Stevens has congratulated Pascoe on being recognized as an International Woman of Courage.
The US Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage award is a key US program that promotes gender quality. It is in its 16th year of existence.
Pascoe has thanked the US Embassy and says she will continue to fight for the safety of residents of Manenberg, who are terrorised by gangs.
Pascoe’s NGO, Manenberg Safety Forum will receive some furniture and computer equipment. This will help them facilitate their work in responding to crime. This will also help to connect the community with resources, to prevent violence.
Catch the story on one of our news bulletins.
The 7 0’clock news on Smile 90.4FM News, on Wednesday 16 March 2022.
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